# How to Manually Install a WordPress Plugin

{% hint style="info" %}
The automatic installation of a plugin is easy and straightforward, but manual installation gives you more control over the process.
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Make sure you have already downloaded a zip file of the plugin to your desktop.

* Log in to the **WordPress dashboard**.
* From the **Dashboard** menu, go to **Plugins** and click on **Add New**.

<figure><img src="https://3645136414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIcJwwORgqOz8NHr15WEz%2Fuploads%2FSviaERzyI2C4JopQw529%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7bf0c3ea-dc7a-4a50-a626-299ba41a971f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Click on **Upload Plugin** and then on **Browse**. Choose your plugin's zip file and click **Install Now**.

<figure><img src="https://3645136414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIcJwwORgqOz8NHr15WEz%2Fuploads%2Fmexf04nuOtANChZ5cYMW%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5548ebd0-6652-476e-8d2d-5b57d567beb8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Click on **Activate Plugin**.

<figure><img src="https://3645136414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIcJwwORgqOz8NHr15WEz%2Fuploads%2FCesRZZgKgJtLCaR5CpQO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d9249104-5706-4dec-ac64-3b71c8d35259" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
After activating a plugin, a new menu for that plugin will be added to the Dashboard menu. Check for any setup options if needed!
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{% hint style="success" %}
Congratulations! You have successfully installed and activated a new WordPress plugin.
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